Wellbeing

Pastoral care is a fundamental element of Radford College. We aim to instil a sense of belonging and connectedness in each of our students and we take a great deal of care to provide a learning environment where our students are comfortable.

We expect our students to be respectful and conduct themselves appropriately to make sure that all members of the Radford community feel safe. As an integrated part of our curriculum, we foster personal and social development in every child.

In developing students' wellbeing we encourage each student to:

learn self-discipline and accept responsibility for their actions

participate confidently in group and team activities

become active members of the local and wider community

be able to adapt to the challenges of a changing world.

Radford College aims for all students to feel safe, supported, valued, engaged and connected. Students feel a sense of belonging to a significant school commmunity. Students are expected to treat each other with respect and behaviour is managed in a positive way. To make sure that all students receive the care and attention they need, there is a great emphasis on proactive and reactive pastoral care. Every contact is considered to be a pastoral care contact.

Secondary School

Tutor Groups

During Secondary School at Radford, tutor groups are an essential part of pastoral care. Students are placed within a tutor group of approximately 22-25 students which meets on a daily basis. Each tutor is a mentor, leader and counsellor, responsible for the general care of students in their group.

The tutor oversees each student's academic progress, social adjustment, attendance and communicates with parents.Each Head of Year manages the collective welfare of a year group of students and moves with the students throughout their journey at the college.

Counsellors

School Counsellors are available to provide psychological support to students if necessary. Our counsellors are qualified psychologists who have a special interest in young people and their issues. Students seeing a School Counsellor can expect a confidential service. A qualified social worker and two chaplains are also part of the pastoral care resources.

Junior School

Pastoral care at Radford College revolves around the belief that all students are unique individuals, to be valued and respected for their own worth. Pastoral care underpins life at Radford, for we believe that students flourish in an environment where they feel valued, respected and safe.

Relationships between staff and students are based on mutual respect. Teachers get to know their students quickly in order to understand their motivations, their capabilities and the way that they learn. They understand that each student has different abilities and cater equally for the students who need a challenge and students who require additional support. It is important for children to have positive relationships with other children and adults at school and we provide a nurturing environment where this is possible.

Using the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile and Primary Years Programme (PYP) attitudes and skills as a solid foundation, the school establishes a framework within which responsibility, initiative and rewarding relationships can flourish. Students are openly encouraged to develop a sense of self worth, respect and tolerance for others in an environment where they feel safe, secure and respected. This is not something that can exist in isolation and it is present in all aspects of school life. It is used to enable pupils to achieve their full potential.

Our parents are important partners in the effective support of our students. Open and regular communication is vital in fostering this relationship. At Radford College Junior School, parents are informed and involved in the initial phases of any pastoral concern and it is through this proactive approach that we are able to manage issues effectively.

A safe and supportive physical environment is also crucial to the Junior School. Our playground has been specifically designed to provide a range of spaces for students to play. Children are always supervised and inappropriate behaviour is managed in a positive and consistent manner. The College provides a range of programs and support which give students the best chance to reach their potential; these include learning support staff, counsellors, occupational therapists and speech pathologists.

Mindfulness and wellbeing are taught explicitly to our students and children participate in Chapel services on a weekly basis, allowing them to explore personal beliefs and developing an awareness of spirituality. The Christian faith is presented as a meaningful and relevant way of life.

Early Learning Centre (ELC)

Fostering a sense of wellbeing in a young child requires the development of trust, both in the relationships between teachers and children and in the creation of an environment which meets the needs of the child.

We believe that every child should be respected as a unique individual with diverse interests and abilities. In order for children to flourish, they need to be happy, safe and stimulated.

The staff at the ELC make sure that the environment is positive and nurturing. They understand and value diversity and provide help and resources where they are needed. Communication with parents is critical and we attempt to be open and informative on any issues which may arise.

The Centre also introduces children to a wide variety of positive experiences so they are able to constantly discover and learn new things. Children have access to the outdoors with equipment and an abundance of creative and interactive activities for them to enjoy. Safety is taken very seriously at the Centre and children are supervised at all times. Behaviour is also managed in a positive, consistent way.